Hubble Space Telescope on Life Support: How NASA Plans to Keep it Operating for Another Decade

On May 31, the Hubble Space Telescope entered safe mode due to a faulty telemetry reading from one of its gyroscopes, which are critical for pointing the telescope in the right direction. NASA has scheduled a press conference on June 4 at 4 pm EDT to provide an update on Hubble’s operations. Despite this setback, the space agency plans for the telescope to continue operating for the next decade.

The Hubble Space Telescope originally had six gyroscopes, with three used at a time to point the telescope. Since then, three have failed – the first in 2014 and the other two in 2018. Hubble needs at least three operational gyroscopes to conduct its full science program, otherwise it will enter safe mode to protect itself. While the malfunctioning gyroscope may not be permanently lost, if it is, Hubble will have to operate at reduced capabilities.

NASA TV will broadcast the press conference where updates on Hubble’s operations and plans moving forward will be provided. However, there are concerns about a private mission led by Jared Isaacman to service the Hubble Space Telescope using a crewed SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule. The lack of necessary equipment for servicing the telescope makes the mission risky for astronauts involved and spacewalks carry inherent risks. Despite these concerns, NASA is planning for Hubble to continue operating for another decade despite its current setbacks.